Ascomycota – Page 2

A Deep Learning and Explainable AI-Based Approach for the Classification of Discomycetes Species

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Researchers developed an artificial intelligence system to automatically identify 14 different types of cup fungi (Discomycetes) from photographs. Using a method called EfficientNet combined with explainable AI, the system achieved 97% accuracy in species identification. The technology could help scientists quickly and accurately catalog fungal biodiversity for conservation efforts and ecological studies without requiring expert mycologists to examine every specimen.

Morphophylogenetic evidence reveals four new fungal species within Tetraplosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales, Ascomycota) from tropical and subtropical forest in China

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Scientists discovered four new species of fungi in the tropical and subtropical forests of southern China. These fungi belong to the Tetraplosphaeriaceae family and were found on decaying wood and bamboo. The researchers identified them using both microscopic examination and DNA analysis, comparing them with similar known species.

Insight into the Skin Mycobiota of Myotis myotis: How Age, Sex, and Biometric Traits Correlate with Fungal Diversity

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Researchers studied fungal colonies living on the skin of Greater mouse-eared bats in autumn, discovering 39 different fungal species. Wing membranes had more fungal diversity than tail membranes, with males carrying more fungi than females. Interestingly, older male bats accumulated more fungal species, while older female bats showed less fungal diversity. The study found no trace of the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, suggesting caves rather than bats may be the main source of this disease.

Characterization of fungal communities transmitted from sow to piglet

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This study examines how fungal communities pass from mother pigs to their newborns. Researchers collected samples from sow feces, sow vagina, and newborn piglet feces and analyzed their fungal composition. The findings show that newborn piglets acquire most of their gut fungi from their mother’s intestinal tract rather than her vagina. Understanding this transmission helps us learn how the healthy microbiota that protects young animals develops.

Novel genus and species of Diaporthostomataceae (Diaporthales) in China

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Researchers discovered a new genus of fungi called Tiania with three new species in Chinese forests. These fungi cause branch canker and leaf spot diseases on oak and stone oak trees. The study used DNA analysis and microscopy to identify and describe these rare fungi, which had never been fully documented before.

Fungal diversity notes 1512–1610: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa

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Scientists have identified and described 59 new fungal species from specimens collected around the world, from Australia to Brazil to China. They also documented 39 new places where previously known fungi were found and one new naming classification. All these discoveries were confirmed using both traditional microscopic examination and modern genetic analysis, contributing to our understanding of fungal diversity.

Ophiostoma babimostense and Sporothrix europaea (Ascomycota, Ophiostomatales), two new ophiostomatalean species, associated with ambrosia and bark beetles in Norway and Poland

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Scientists discovered two new species of fungi that live in association with beetles in European forests. These fungi, Ophiostoma babimostense and Sporothrix europaea, were found in infested wood and pine shoots in Norway and Poland. The fungi were identified using microscopic examination and DNA analysis, revealing they belong to distinct groups within their respective fungal families. This discovery adds to our understanding of forest fungal diversity and beetle-fungus relationships.

Degradation of Extra-Heavy Crude Oil by Fungi Isolated from Hydrothermal Vents Fields in the Gulf of California

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Scientists discovered that certain fungi living in deep-sea hydrothermal vents can break down extra-heavy crude oil, a thick and difficult-to-treat form of petroleum. Among eight fungal species tested, Aspergillus sydowii was the most effective, degrading 40% of the crude oil in laboratory conditions. This research suggests these hardy deep-sea fungi could be used as a natural solution to clean up oil spills in extreme marine environments where traditional cleaning methods don’t work well.

Eight Fungal Species Associated with Ambrosia Beetles in Korea

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This research identifies eight types of fungi that live in partnership with ambrosia beetles in Korea. These fungi are food sources for beetle larvae and adults. The study found that some fungi have specific relationships with particular beetle species, while others can associate with multiple beetle types. This work helps scientists understand how beetles spread fungi and potentially cause tree diseases like oak wilt.

Mycochemistry, antioxidant activity and anticancer potentiality of ethyl acetate extract of Daldinia eschscholtzii against A549 lung cancer cell line

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Researchers studied a wild fungus called Daldinia eschscholtzii to see if it could fight lung cancer. They found that an extract from this fungus contained 28 different beneficial compounds and was effective at killing cancer cells by triggering a process called apoptosis (programmed cell death). The treatment also reduced the cancer cells’ ability to spread, and it appeared safe for normal, healthy cells. Several compounds in the extract showed promise as potential anti-cancer drugs.

Research Keyword: Ascomycota